Color a collection

What a little spray paint can do! Choose a single standout hue to turn a jumbled collection of garage sale finds into a unified display for a wall, mantel or shelf.

Start with a group of related (but not necessarily matching) items. You could use a pile of old brass candlesticks, a menagerie of kitschy animal figures or a stack of tarnished trays. Our pick: a variety of dinged-up kitchen gear from antiques and thrift stores. Remove dirt and dust with a damp cloth. Spray on primer, then apply the final color with a light back and forth motion for even coverage. You may need a couple coats for rich, uniform color. (We used Krylon indoor/outdoor Cherry Red paint in gloss, krylon.com).

Door decor

The old door leaning against a wall is a versatile vintage find because its back side is an awesome blue color. Depending on the time of year, the Illinois homeowner flips the door over for a new look.

Water filter

Candle holders

A meat grinder cleverly holds a candle for an entertaining tabletop. At an outdoor party, try attaching the grinders along a buffet-table edge. Deep-fryer baskets with pillar candles inside make great luminarias!

Repurposed silverware

Creative uses for old toys

Leave the expensive toys to collectors; the ones that still work cost hundreds. Instead, think how broken-down toys can serve as conversation-starters. Tin dump trucks, for instance, can be home base for the remote control.

Other toy ideas: Game pieces, such as dominoes, poker chips or checkers, give small magnets playful personality when you glue them together; vintage dollhouses make interesting bookcases.